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Date Published: 09/01/2026

Mazarrón residents up in arms over rats running riot

Infestation in central streets sparks health fears as council blames private property limits

Residents in the heart of Mazarrón are at their wits' end with a rat problem that has taken over rooftops, patios and even pavements just metres from the Ayuntamiento. Videos shared widely on social media show more than twenty rodents scampering freely on a house roof near the Ayuntamiento, turning daily life into a nightmare for families on Pablo Picasso, Lardines and Escultor Salzillo streets. It is a situation that has gone on for a year now, with locals saying they cannot even open a window without worry.

"We can't even open a single window in our houses to air them out, because rats get in," one frustrated resident said. "And when they go outside in the sun, they come out into the street and it's dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. It's hard, very hard. And we've been dealing with this for a year now. We're fed up." Neighbours report near-misses, like one woman whose leg was targeted by a rat until her dog stepped in.

Complaints to the council have piled up for weeks, with some blaming two brothers living in the house for allegedly feeding the pests, including a recent 100-kilo bag of rat food.

The Ayuntamiento insists it is not standing idle. A joint operation involving Services, Health, and Social Services departments has been underway for months, focusing on rodent control in the surrounding area. "It is not possible to intervene inside the house as it is private property and the owners have not given their consent or access," they explained. Legal steps are in motion, with a court order being processed to gain entry.

While the infestation poses clear health risks, locals fear it could spread further without swift action. The growing filth, including piled-up rubbish and fruit crates even on the roof, has heightened concerns. For now, families are keeping doors shut and hoping for a quick fix from the authorities they feel have dragged their feet. It is the kind of story that hits home in any town, reminding us how fast small problems can turn into big headaches.

Image: ChrisF/Pexels

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